Apollo Theatre Latest: Further Details On Emergency Operation

Following last night's ceiling collapse at the Apollo Theatre during a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the London Ambulance Service has released more information about the injuries incurred by audience members.

A spokesman said: "We can now confirm that we sent a total of 54 resources to the scene. These included 29 ambulance crews, seven responders in cars or on motorbikes, 18 officers and other vehicles, including members of our hazardous area response team and a medical team from London's Air Ambulance who also attended in a car.

"Our first staff arrived within three minutes and we worked closely with the other emergency services to care for the injured.

"By the time the scene had been completely cleared, we had treated 79 patients.

"Of these, 56 were subsequently taken to hospital - 47 had suffered minor injuries and were categorised as being walking wounded, and nine had suffered more serious injuries including head and back injuries.

"35 patients were taken to St Thomas' Hospital [near Waterloo], 32 walking wounded and three more serious; 10 patients were taken to St Mary's Hospital [near Paddington], nine walking wounded and one more serious; nine patients were taken to University College Hospital [near Euston], five walking wounded and four more serious; two patients were taken to St George's Hospital [in Tooting], one walking wounded and one more serious.

"Among the vehicles used to transport patients with minor injuries were two London buses."

Incident Commander Maria Smith, who was one of the first on scene, said: "When I arrived it was dark and extremely dusty and people were lying on the floor of the theatre.

"We very quickly set up a casualty clearing area in the foyer of the theatre and the walking wounded were assessed and treated there for injuries such as cuts and grazes, breathing problems and head injuries.

"All the staff involved did an excellent job to help ensure that people received medical attention and those who needed further treatment were taken to hospital."

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